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Nadal clinches 8th French Open

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"Today is another victory after a long year and every victory is important," Nadal told the Davis Cup website.

With Fernando Verdasco also winning his match in Madrid against Ukraine, it means Spain is on the verge of retaining its spot in next year's world group following an upset loss to Canada in February.

Nadal is scheduled for the potential doubles clincher Saturday alongside good pal Marc Lopez. If he does take to the court, it would be his first doubles tussle in the Davis Cup in seven years.

"To play with a good friend like Marc will be a special feeling, first time in the Davis Cup," said Nadal.

Canada kept on progressing in the Davis Cup and encountered Djokovic's Serbia in its maiden semifinal Friday.

But Djokovic was too strong in the opener versus big-serving Vasek Pospisil, cruising 6-2 6-0 6-4 on clay in Belgrade.

"I'm glad the match was short," the world No. 1 told reporters. "I forced him to make mistakes.

"I find additional inspiration playing for my country," added Djokovic, whose last loss in Davis Cup singles, not including a retirement, was against Nadal in 2009.

Canada, however, leveled the series when Milos Raonic toppled a slumping Janko Tipsarevic 5-7 6-3 3-6 6-3 10-8 in more than four hours.

Defending champion the Czech Republic moved closer to another final, leading Argentina 2-0 in their best-of-five contest in Prague. Argentina is playing without Juan Martin del Potro and Davis Cup standout David Nalbandian.